Weekend previews: NTFL – Round 6

A top of the table clash headlines the Round 6 Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League action, with only one undefeated side remaining at the top end, while the current cellar dwellers continue their hunt for four points.

TIWI BOMBERS v. ST MARYS

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 2pm

Tiwi Oval

Tiwi Bombers is still searching for its first win in season 2019, but faces stiff competition in doing so in the form of a surging St Marys side. The Saints are fresh off their second consecutive victory having beaten top-four side Waratah in Round 5, and have found another gear with the addition of exciting forward, Brayden Rioli – the brother of Richmond’s Daniel. The 16 year old booted three goals last time out to earn a rising star nomination, feeding off of the form of fellow Rioli, Shannon, as well as the likes of Nathaniel Paredes and Tylah Saunders who continue to run the engine room. Tiwi most recently had a disappointing loss to Palmerston, but showed signs as their forward line kicked into gear. The Munkaras, Simon and Dionysuis, conjured six goals between them, with Travis Tambling slotting three of his own to complete the trifecta, and they’ll have to hit the scoreboard hard once again if they are to stand any chance in this clash. The Magpies will also look to Alastair Darcy and Adam Tipungwuti to compete in the middle and provide the right service going forward. The form lines may vary between these two sides as it stands, but the contest should provide some decent highlights nonetheless.

WANDERERS v. PALMERSTON MAGPIES

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 2:30pm

TIO Stadium

Saturday’s TIO Stadium triple-header opener pits two sides towards the bottom end of the table against each other in a game that could have implications on the race for the last finals spot. Wanderers are yet to improve on their Round 1 win over bottom-placed Tiwi, and suffered a comprehensive loss at the hands of Southern Districts last weekend. The Eagles have struggled to trouble the scorers and couldn’t break down the Crocs’ last time out, but will look to the experience of Shannon Motlop and Aaron Motlop, as well as the exuberance of Joel Jeffrey and Keelan Fejo to provide some spark. Palmerston managed to snatch their second win of the year last time out after overcoming Tiwi to jump into sixth spot, left out of the finals places by percentage only. Their star players continue to shine, with the likes of Matthew Dennis and Rodney Baird consistently putting in mammoth shifts, while electrifying goalkicker Kyle Emery will hope to build on his season tally of 11 goals after claiming seven last week. Both teams will be hungry for a win here, with the Magpies looking to enter a run of form, while Wanderers will hope to find their way back onto the winners list once again.

DARWIN BUFFALOES v. WARATAH

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 5pm

TIO Stadium

Both Darwin Buffaloes and Waratah will be looking to bounce back with a win after suffering Round 5 losses, when they meet at TIO Stadium. The Buffaloes have only lost to the two best sides this year, and were simply outgunned by a Nightcliff side with a point to prove last weekend. Meanwhile, Waratah became St Marys’ second victim in as many weeks, falling short against the Brayden Rioli inspired Saints to see their top four buffer shrink to four points. Darwin will be confident of regaining the form that has seen them dominate most of their competition, with the likes of Adam Sambono and Joe Anderson retaining the decent form they’ve already shown this season. There are plenty of other credentialed players in the lineup, with the class of ex AFL-listed forward Lindsay Thomas and young gun Malcolm Rosas sure to shine through. For the Warriors, Lachlan Collihole and Sam Godden continue to find the goals, while Raven Jolliffe has also been thereabouts. They’ll all have to stand up once again if Waratah are to stand a chance, as this strong Darwin unit will surely be breathing fire after last week’s heavy loss.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS v. NIGHTCLIFF

Round 6 – Saturday November 10, 7:30pm

TIO Stadium

Undefeated ladder leaders Southern Districts meet the in-form, second place Nightliff in what is undoubtedly the match of the round. The Crocs have been near-on unstoppable once again this year, but potentially face their toughest test to date with the Tigers coming off a huge win over fellow top-three contenders, Darwin. Bradley Vallance was in fine form in Southern Districts’ Round 5 win, booting five majors and also earning a play of the round nomination. He’ll look to put on a show once again alongside the likes of Charles McAdam, Shane Thorne, Michael Mummery, and recent inclusion Richard Tambling. The Nightcliff defence will certainly have its hands full, but will look to leading goalkicker Trent Melville to register another bag of goals and help put a score on the board big enough to match what the Crocs usually do. Young speedster Liam Holt-Fitz will also look to contribute up forward with Brodie Filo and Wade Derksen, while Shaun Wilson will hope to back up his Round 5 best-afield performance well. The Tigers will surely revel in the chance to hand Districts its first loss, and they have the in-form firepower to do so having toppled Darwin last week. The Crocs have hardly put a foot wrong though, and will be confident in retaining their perfect record and top spot.